Dr. Claudia Coplein will begin work as the first chief medical officer for Tyson Foods Inc. on Jan.4, the company said.
Coplein has more than 20 years of health care experience. In a news release, the company said she will lead and promote a culture of health and wellness during the coronavirus pandemic. She most recently led the health and wellness division of life insurance company MassMutual.
Johanna Soderstrom, Tyson executive vice president and chief human-resources officer, said in a written statement that Coplein "will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build a culture of health and take additional steps to protect our team members and plant communities."
Tyson recently added 200 nurses to its staff and said it would open health clinics at seven Tyson facilities, including the Berryville processing plant.
Coplein has held leadership roles at MetLife, United Technologies Corp. and General Electric Company. She also served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force.